The Overland Track is without question, Australia’s premier alpine walk. This very popular walk, attracting walkers from all around the world, is exhilarating and challenging in every respect. The Overland track starts at iconic Cradle Mountain and finishes at Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair. The Overland Track is a 65 kilometre, 5-7 day walk that takes you through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This national park is part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area. This walk is physically demanding, emotionally challenging but ultimately spectacular and rewarding. There are many optional side-trips you can take that take you to cascading waterfalls and mountain summits, including Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa at 1617 m.
Most walkers finish their journey at Narcissus Hut at the head of Lake St Clair where you catch a small privately run ferry (please note you need to book in advance) to reach the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre at Cynthia Bay, where you can grab a shower, fresh coffee and food. Alternatively, you can choose to walk the 17.5 km length of the lake through rain forest to the visitor centre, and thereby extend your walk by 1 day.
Approximately half of the Overland Track walk is above 1000 metres in elevation on exposed plateaus in a remote area. Thorough preparation, including having good fitness, wet weather gear and and good walking equipment is essential.
Overland Track Pass Fees apply from 1 October – 31 May inclusive.
WINTER : 15 June 2020 to 30 September 2020 (inclusive) – Due to COVID-19 registrations are required to walk the Overland Track in winter 2020 – June through until the end of September 2020 -without charge, requiring only a valid Parks Pass. To meet Department of Health’s social distancing requirements, numbers are capped at 16 walkers per day. All walkers will be required walk from north to south, sleep in tents and maintain appropriate distance from others. The huts on the Overland Track will be accessible for emergency use only. Walkers must carry a quality tent (3-4 season rating with inner and outer layer).
SUMMER : 1 October 2020 to 31 May 2021 (inclusive) – All walkers are required to book online, in advance (including payment) – at least 24-hours prior to your departure date, walk from north to south (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and have a current National Parks Pass. Bookings for the 2020/21 Summer season open at 9:00am on 1 July 2020.
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